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The Dark Kings #3

The Magic King

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Decades have passed since Rumpel last saw his beloved bride Shayera. Single-minded in his determination to bring her back at all costs Rumpel has discovered that in the process of reacquiring her he’s lost all sense of who he even is anymore.

Tired, and world-weary he feels the only thing left to do now is to retreat and gather himself. He is not a good man, he knows that. He’s lied, he’s cheated, hell, he’s even killed. And he can’t stop thinking that maybe in this new world Shayera deserves to be with someone better than him. Someone kinder. Gentler. Someone the exact opposite of himself. He will never stop loving her, but isn’t that what love means? Sacrificing your own happiness for the sake of theirs? He just wants her happy, that’s all he’s ever wanted, and if that means learning to let her go, then that’s just what he’ll force himself to do.

Shayera has always been aware of ghosts that linger just beyond the fringe of the world she sees. Desperately trying to show her a world she once knew but lost forever. There is a yearning in her, a desire for more. But she never quite understands what that more is until the day she spots the Man in Black. He’s unbelievably handsome, but it’s also clear that he’s a very dangerous man. It’s in the way he moves, how he looks at her, and the words he says. But his husky voice and devastating touch thrills her, makes her come alive. And she knows that she’ll stop at nothing until she makes that darkness hers. No matter the cost…


Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss will gaze back into you.

~ Friedrich Nietzsche

201 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 2, 2017

62 people are currently reading
377 people want to read

About the author

Jovee Winters

37 books504 followers
Jovee Winters is the pen name for a USAT Bestselling author of twisted fairy tale romances.

Jovee Winters loves fairy tales. But she especially loves twisting up the fairy tales you thought you knew. You can visit her on the web at

https://www.facebook.com/joveewinters...

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5 stars
198 (62%)
4 stars
70 (22%)
3 stars
38 (11%)
2 stars
10 (3%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Jewlsbookblog.
2,209 reviews74 followers
October 11, 2017
The Magic King was a remarkably touching, second chance, love story I simply couldn’t put down! If I could rate a 10 for this book, I’d have it plastered all over the place!

After a curse tragically ripped his true love and family from him, Rumpel has been on a crazy endeavor to make the Fates bring Shayera back to him. He will use any means necessary to get his world back. Even if it means tempting Fate more than any sane person would ever try to do.

Only Rumpelstiltskin would have the balls to take on Fate.

The depth of Rumpel’s devotion to Shayera was obvious to anyone who has read Rumpel’s Prize, but now?! Rumpel and Shayera are my absolute favorite couple of the Kingdom series and Winters outdid herself showcasing the fierce, emotional intensity of devastation and redemption between these two! I rubbed my eyes raw from those persnickety water works that kept leaking out of my eyes.

But the end results were completely worth every tear.

Rumpel+Shayera =Epic. Love. Story.

Profile Image for Angela James.
1,411 reviews14 followers
October 19, 2017
Rumpel is life!

Rumpel is everything! I love these twisted fairytales so much, you just don't even understand. This author seriously has a way with words and can weave a fantasy tale that will transport you to another place and time where the impossible and unbelievable seem completely possible and believable. Rumpel's pain and desperation and love are so real and true and heartbreaking that you will love him and forgive him any anything. I absolutely loved this book and this series is amazing and if highly recommend it!
Profile Image for Mikayla.
268 reviews3 followers
January 12, 2018
This was an excellent book and I hate to give it three stars, but I had too. This story follows Rumpelstiltskin and Shayera. I had to give this book three stars because the constant self-loathing, whining, and "I love you, but you shouldn't love me because of what I've done," got very old very fast. I almost wanted to skip over the parts from Rumpel's perspective because that's pretty much all it was until toward the very end. Regardless of this, it was still a fantastic book and I can't wait for the next one.
Profile Image for 'i Mari &#x1f377; YAAAAAAS.
188 reviews8 followers
October 22, 2017
Can I just say, I'll probably get this tonight or tomorrow to read but, I need to say...OMG Jovee Winters A.K.A Marie Hall came through! TWO MONTHS LATER! *crying happy tears* JUST TWO MONTHS+ from The Jaded King. I was so depressed after that one because, I mean C'MON, Rumpel (or is it Betty?) broke our hearts. And I thought it will take a year or so for me to get my very eager hands on the next one but, lo and behold...I only had to wait 2 months plus a lil bit 'o minutes (watevs). I'm practically vibrating with excitement! *screaminggggg*

UPDATE:
OhMyGeooooooorge! I AM SO SATISFIED; THIS DESERVES 5 SHINY ONES 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟. I nearly drove myself to the ER with wanting this book in my hands so much! I loved everything about this story. There might have been a few spelling errors in there somewhere; just a few. Other than that everything was uh-may-zing. Rumpel was my favourite from the Marie Hall series of this. He went from 0 to 100 in the lovableometer. I mean, how can you not love him after seeing how utterly destroyed he was right after the curse happened? Yeah, Rumpel deserves everything and more.

I, personally, still don't think Betty and Gerard should've gotten away that easy; but yeh, watevs, at least we have our Shayshay back. This was such a heartbreak to read. Rumpel went through so damn much. Heartbreaking. Only one person actually helped him while he was slowly dying inside. One! Just ONE person *sigh*. Never fear though, guys. The silver lining is uh-may-zing. So worth the 75%+ of heartbreak. If I had one complain it would be...hmmmmm aha! The short HEA. I mean it was still lengthy but damnit! I want more 😂.

Oh! And that person who helped Rumpel? Everything; that 4-5 page of their meeting? EVERYTHING! I loved it! She was my fave out of all the Dark Queens tbh. Her and my girl Baba. I want her to have her moment already. She and Hades are breaking my heart with their barely there sanity 😭. Can we just have their story already please? It's been 21+ years and they're hanging on with I don't know what 😭. Heart. Breaking.

Anyway, overall this book is a fave. JUST GRAB IT AND READ IT ALREADY. You know you want to. If you want a book with clever/unique ways of twisting fairytales and making you believe the good 'ol books were wrong; this series is IT. Any book by Jovee Winters a.k.a Marie Hall really. Her series...best weekend/weeknight literay getaway you can get your hands on. And the fun part? They're all just short enough and sweet enough. Just. Right. 😉 Bring on the next one. I am so ready. Better yet; multiple next ones. Adios amigos!
Profile Image for Nicole.
205 reviews7 followers
October 10, 2017
Note: I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
I'll start off simple. If you haven't read the First 2 books this one will still be an amazing book but you really need to have read the previous 2 for this to make the biggest impact.

The story is basically amazing. The characters, the plot, I can't express how good it is. I of course have been a fan of the series since the VERY beginning many many books ago....so my experience is a tad biased, why: because the characters mean something to me. Let me explain, you have two complex characters at a restart in history/their existence. They're different but the same. An epic love story is destroyed and you're wondering how/if they can find a way back to each other..and if so will it work out.

I loved this story/book. I won't say a lot because I can't and won't spoil any moments or secrets - anything I feel could ruin YOUR experience is a No. With that, know that it's a great story. A couple of steamy moments for sure (to be expected by this author), it's well written and the length is just perfect.

You won't be dissapointed if this is your first go. IF you've read the first 2 books in the Dark Kings series...this will be a Must Read. If you're a Kingdom fan since the beginning (*See Marie Hall for first book ever in Kingdom) I simply will say: "Whats taking you so long?".

I loved this book, and it so far out of ALL the books just was FANTASTIC. Simply, A MUST READ in my opinion.
Profile Image for Katrina.
186 reviews2 followers
October 26, 2017
She's done it again. Jovee weaves a tale that draws you in and doesn't let you go until you are finished. Spitting you out after you have felt all the feels, feeling the pain and joy her characters experience. I waited with baited breath for Rumpel's story, for he was so broken by the curse that ripped his HEA from him. He fought to reunite Gerard and his Betty, so his Shay could someday return to him. But in so doing, he fell deeper into the pits of darkness. Watching her born and keeping himself away just may be the hardest trial the Dark One will ever have to face. Can he survive her growing into the young woman he once loved so fiercely? Or will he shatter under the loss, and the knowing that she is alive, but not HIS Shay? Will she love him in this new, cursed world, as she did before the curse that tore Kingdom asunder? The book kept me on the edge of my seat and I could not put it down, determined to see where the story went. Now I'm back to waiting for the next story, the next couple to reconnect and once again regain their HEA... Can Kingdom continue to rebuild after everything that has happened?
Profile Image for Alexandra.
Author 4 books7 followers
October 3, 2017
I had a thing for Rumpel since I read first about him in the Kingdom chronicles. So Rumpel's Prize was one of my favorite Marie Hall books. When he lost his love in Jovee Winters' Fairy Queen, my heart broke for him. And it got worse and worse. So I was holding my breath for this book and boy, did it deliver. A cried most through all of it, felt so deep for Shay and Rumpel, ranted at Betty and Gerard, loudly, explosively (even though I could understand them a bit too), I bit my nails after driving them into the palm of my hand in excitement and suspense and there were times I couldn't read on because I was too riled up, it was too much to bear. But I had to pick it right back up soon after because I couldn't stand NOT reading on. And the finale is all that it had to be. My heart is so full right now. Wonderful book!
Profile Image for Dharia Scarab.
3,255 reviews8 followers
November 5, 2017
Still not 100% sold on the recon of this series.


Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...

1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.

2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.

3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.

4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.

5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
Profile Image for Jessyca Yoakum.
17 reviews66 followers
October 5, 2017
The feels!!

If you thought their first story was moving, it has nothing on this one. I don't think any of the other books have ever tortured my heart so much! If you've been reading the series the series (especially if you were a fan of her previous pen name) then this is one of the books you've been waiting for. I liked how Danika shared her torture with Rumple since we usually see her being the optimistic one. In fact, it was beautiful to see how many different other people have been tortured by curse. Granted it would take the Dark One to show us the pain and suffering. Beautiful HEA that also brings hope to this kingdom. As always, LOVED, LOVED, LOVED and looking forward to the next one!
Profile Image for niki_reads_romance.
883 reviews9 followers
January 2, 2018
Get the Kleenex

I purchased this book, then ignored it for a long time. Weeks. The entire series, from Marie Hall’s start to this newest one, is so beautiful, emotional, and heart wrenching. They’re wonderful stories, filled with loves so pure and fulfilling, but with trials and tribulations that make me ugly cry from page 1. I love them and hate them, anticipate their release but cannot immediately read them. The Magic King was even more for me because I’ve followed Rumple’s story as it’s played out and feel like I truly know him. This is how a book should be. Another world, filled with friends and love and laughter, that honestly hurts when something bad happens to a loved character. I bow to you, Miss Winters, as you are a literary goddess.
13 reviews
October 8, 2017
Tearful emotional but so fulfilling!

I cried for him I cried for her I cried for myself wanting so badly to get to the end when they were together again. You did it again Jovee you have that bad boy a heart and soul and her name was Shayera , this book was so heart tearing emotional and we felt all of Rumples pain in every word you penned. I pray that Hades and Calypso are next because that may just be even harder to read then Rumples heartache. Please don't make use wait in agony to long.
Profile Image for Alyssa Mohring .
391 reviews52 followers
October 9, 2017
grab your tissues. seeing Rumplestiltskin as broken as he was was heartbreaking. you feel so much emotion in this book which gives it five stars. you feel Rumplestiltskin pain and all his emotions. you feel so much emotion reading his and Shayera's story that you feel like you are them. you feel angry, sad, heartbroken, happy. you will cry and yell at the book. this is my favorite story in this series. this is a beautiful and heartbreaking story of true love and the obstacles they each endured to get there
239 reviews
June 10, 2018
Of all the Dark Kings Rumpel will always be my favorite. Such a tortured and at times evil character . There isn't anything he wouldn't do to bring his beloved Shayera back. Not really fond of Shayera's parents in this one but understandable how they felt about Rumpel I guess (admitting this very grudgingly). I am not sure how the curse will work out but very excited to keep reading this series. This book has soulmates (which I adore this trope) plenty of drama and finally a happy scenario for my favorite dark king.
Profile Image for Lizzy.
202 reviews
September 29, 2023
Jovee did it again. Love is eternal and will always find a way.

Rumpelstiltskin found his love in the last book, but he has to stand by and watch until the time is right to reclaim her. As time goes by, he becomes less and less sure she will ever be his. Sealing himself away from everyone and everything, he falls deep into despair, depression and self loathing. Can Sheyera find him and reclaim what is hers? Will love prevail? Read on. This is a humdinger of a story. I'm on to the next.
Profile Image for Judi Borne.
58 reviews
October 15, 2017
Our Rumple

Rumple has been my favorite character from the start. I could not put it down and when I did I would find myself wondering what Rumple's was doing. Jovee Winters writes in a way that let's you meld into her world as if you were part of Kingdom yourself. I would recommend this book and the rest of the series to one and all. Readers should read the series in order because I feel you have a better understanding of each character and the storyline.
Profile Image for Iris Vera.
22 reviews
July 9, 2020
Gut wrenching and beautifully written...

Probably my favorite book in the series to date. That’s including the kingdom series by Marie Hall and the Dark Queens series by Jovee Winters. I think I’ve cried more reading this book than any other book. I absolutely love happy ever afters and cannot wait time find out how the rest of the series goes. I mostly want to know who and how they will help Harpy.
44 reviews
October 4, 2017
Love!

I love this series and have eagerly looked forward to Shay and Rumpel's story again. Makes my heart hurt and happy at the same time that they had to through what they did if they wanted to be together again. They both have changed, but I still love them. Cannot wait for the next one. Wonder who it will be and how everything will be resolved.
Profile Image for Mel Mel.
479 reviews5 followers
October 9, 2017
Beautiful

I've been waiting for Rumpel's story. It did not disappoint. I read late into the night to finish, not wanting to stop and dropped my Kindle on my face several times. This is the kind of story you don't put down, you don't stop until you're finished. It's beautiful and wonderful. Moving and very touching. I can't wait to see what's next for Kingdom.
Profile Image for Kimberly Matheous.
10 reviews
October 28, 2017
The best books I have ever read

All the stories this series always touches a cord in the heart and draws you in to the pages, you feel as if you become one with characters, the love, adventures and passion in the pages feel so real and jump our at you in away most books can not do.
157 reviews
April 1, 2018
Finally

I have probably had this book for close to a year now and didn't read it before now because I knew it would be bittersweet. This one brought tears to my eyes. There is no way to read without getting list in this book. Me Winters is extremely good at creating characters that you have to invest in. This is a must read!
Profile Image for Andrea.
562 reviews26 followers
September 21, 2021
I think the disconnect for me concerning 'The Dark Kings' arc of this series is, I feel like I don't know who these characters are anymore. The back and fourth of this specific drama dragged on for awhile and when the exciting thing happened, it was at the very end of the book. So, if you like fairytale retellings, made it this far into the series, and like this couple check this out.
Profile Image for Betheny Shaw.
24 reviews
December 6, 2023
Simply Beautiful

I would recommend this book to all who enjoy romance. Remarkable storytelling in every word. Page after page of emotional poetry. My emotions ranged from raw anger to euphoric happiness. This book left me happily exhuated by the last page. Thank you, Jovee Winters. You are a brilliant writer. This series is awesome.
Profile Image for Kay.
44 reviews
October 15, 2017
Interesting

Ok I love rumple. Spoiler alert.... well i love his character before the curse. In here, he is just too weak. I just want to smack him. Overall is ok i love the beginning especially when sha was a kid. Still is a must read book.
Profile Image for Katherine.
46 reviews
May 11, 2019
AMAZING JUST AS I NEW IT WOULD BE!!!!

As I have come to love about Kingdom, each story is the best in the series if that makes sense. I love this series and will keep reading until forever.
6 reviews
April 29, 2020
Heartbreaking but great as expected.

Cried my eyes out like a little girl but this one is my favourite out of The Dark Queens series and so far The Dark King series. Read them all they're brill!
16 reviews
January 19, 2021
Slow but good!

This particular book in the series was kinda slow compared to the others but that didn’t take away from the story itself. It pulls at your heartstrings and gives a whole new meaning to “everlasting love”. Can’t wait to read the others!
Profile Image for Greta Riordan.
625 reviews36 followers
October 4, 2017
Tears or laughter

This story has you on edge start to finish. I loved the 1st story of Shay and Rumple but for some reason this book was more heartfelt and beautiful.
Profile Image for Toni Estes.
6 reviews
October 16, 2017
Love it

It was so amazing. I love how it kinda opened up two different stories. And we see a glimmer of hope for the harpy

28 reviews
October 7, 2017
loved it!!

absolutely loved the writing of this story. you can really feel the pain and anguish rumpel suffers. Cant wait for the next book to come out
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

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